Fishery product for exports. (Photo: Subpesca)
CHILEFriday, November 07, 2014, 22:10 (GMT + 9)
The Chilean and Chinese governments signed a memorandum of understanding with the aim of smoothing the cooperation between the two countries in fishery-aquaculture product sanitary and trade issues.
The signing ceremony was attended by the deputy director of the General Administration of Quality Supervision and Quarantine (AQSIQ) of China, Zhang Qingrong; Chilean Ambassador Jorge Heine; and the head of the Undersecretariat of Fisheries and Aquaculture (SUBPESCA) of Chile, Raul Sunico.
Besides, the Minister of Economy, Luis Felipe Céspedes; and the national director of theNational Fisheries and Aquaculture Service (SERNAPESCA), José Miguel Burgos were also present.
This bilateral agreement formalizes the general requirements for exporting fishery products to the Chinese market. Moreover, it formally recognizes SERNAPESCA as competent authority to grant sanitary certification and perform registration of companies and establishments intending to export to China.
Both countries pledged to strengthen the exchange of technical knowledge by holding working groups to standardize:
- Inspection protocols;
- Quarantine requirements;
- Technology transfer and professional training;
- Streamline mutual consultation regarding requirements associated with resource import and export.
Súnico stressed the importance of the signed agreement, which will last five years and will be renewed automatically. He highlighted that the Chinese market experienced a large increase in exports of Chilean fresh salmon during 2014, changing from 700 tonnes (2013) to more than 2,600 tonnes so far this year.
"These agreements will help maintain and stimulate the flow of shipments and build competitive advantage over other exporters of fishery products," he pointed out.
For his part, Burgos explained that "in practical terms, the memorandum implies that if the parties modify their requirements, they should inform the other, and provide acceptable transition deadlines."
"This formalization is clearly a significant progress as to trade relations and will facilitate international trade of our fishery and aquaculture development," he added.
Last year, the shipments of Chilean fishery products to the Chinese market generated USD 343 million in revenue, a figure expected to rise this year considering the volumes recorded so far.
On the other hand, the sector brand 'Patagonia Mussel' had its debut this week in China, at a seminar held in Shanghai with the theme "Discover the taste of Patagonia, discover the taste of Chilean mussel." The event was attended by Chilean exporters and Chinese importers, who met with representatives of specialised media.
The aim of the promoters of the brand is to increase exports of Chilean mussel to the Chinese market and position it as a premium product that offers excellent quality, is rich in protein and omega-3 and is naturally farmed.
This initiative was first implemented in Russia between 2011 and 2012, and then in Brazil between 2013 and 2014.